Take a bite into Brazil’s beloved street food, the Brazilian Pastel! These crisp, golden pockets filled with a variety of flavorful fillings are a go-to for anyone looking for a quick snack in Brazil. With their thin crust and delicious insides, they’re an absolute treat that’s hard to resist.
Equipment Required for the recipe
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Pastry brush
- Knife and cutting board
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Estimated time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
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Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- ½ cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of cachaça or rum
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
- For the filling (meat):
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
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Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add in the water, vinegar, and cachaça, mixing continuously until the dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Once the dough is consistent, knead it on a floured surface until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
- While the dough rests, prepare the filling. In a pan over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, and finish off with fresh parsley. Let the filling cool.
- Roll out the rested dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into squares or rectangles.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough piece.
- Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Use a pastry brush to apply a small amount of water to the edges, ensuring a tight seal.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan or deep fryer. Once hot, fry each pastel until golden brown. This should take about 3 minutes per side.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Serve while hot.
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Important notes about the recipe
- The addition of cachaça or rum to the dough helps it achieve a crispy texture when fried.
- Fillings can vary greatly, from cheese to shrimp, so feel free to experiment!
- Always seal the pastels well to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.
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Conclusion
The Brazilian Pastel is more than just a snack; it’s a reflection of Brazil’s diverse and vibrant culture. Whether you’re wandering the bustling streets of São Paulo or enjoying a lazy afternoon by the beaches of Rio, the scent of freshly fried pastels is unmistakable and irresistible. With every bite, you’re treated to a symphony of textures and flavors – the crispiness of the crust harmoniously melding with the savory filling. By making them at home, you’re not just preparing a dish; you’re crafting an experience. Whether you stick to traditional fillings or innovate with your own, the joy of biting into a hot, crispy pastel is unparalleled. Here’s to the simple pleasures of life, wrapped in a golden pocket of deliciousness!
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Nutritional Information per serving
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Serving Size: 1 pastel
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